Unwind with "Let's Be Still," Our Second Exclusive Cassette Release
From cameras to cassette tapes, we’re committed to bringing you plenty of analog awesomeness here at Retrospekt. We got our feet wet with our first-ever exclusive tape release — Waxahatchee’s Saint Cloud — and now we’re super excited to tell you about our second Retrospekt exclusive cassette: Let’s Be Still by The Head and The Heart.
When The Head & The Heart released their self-titled debut album in 2009, the band found a fervent following almost overnight. They burned their own CDs and packaged them in DIY denim sleeves, selling thousands of copies at their first string of shows. In the band’s hometown of Seattle, famed record stores like Easy Street and Sonic Boom couldn’t keep enough copies in stock.
This impressive word-of-mouth marketing caught the eye of Sub Pop, who signed the band in 2011 and subsequently re-released their debut. The Head and the Heart is one of the label’s best-selling debuts of all time, joining the ranks of Nirvana, The Postal Service and The Shins. It goes without saying the band is in great company!
Two years (and lots of touring) later, The Head and The Heart released their sophomore album with Sub Pop, Let’s Be Still, recorded at Studio Litho in Seattle. The band later traveled to Bridgeport, CT to mix the album with Peter Katis, a producer known for his work with The National, Interpol and The Swell Season. Upon the album’s release, frontman Josiah Johnson said Let’s Be Still is “imbued with the experiences of traveling the world.” Before forming The Head and The Heart, Johnson performed with other indie icons Iron & Wine, Death Cab for Cute and Dr. Dog. Johnson credits his extensive touring background with inspiring The Head and The Heart’s folksy, subdued sound.
In 2013, Henry Hauser at Consequence wrote, “Throughout [Let’s Be Still], The Head and the Heart stress that, although nothing is permanent and life in 21st century America is a hectic blur, we can prolong what’s worth cherishing by taking our foot off the accelerator, if only for a moment.” As the album celebrates its eighth birthday, the U.S. continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, Let’s Be Still serves as a reminder to slow down and enjoy the small things.
You’ll only find Let’s Be Still on cassette from one place — right here at Retrospekt. We’ve partnered exclusively with Sub Pop and the band to create this exclusive release. Perfect for a cozy night at home, the album is now available exclusively on our website. You can also check out our other cassettes and complete your collection!
